Iran launches military recruitment for boys aged 12 to 15

Iran has initiated a new military recruitment drive targeting boys between the ages of 12 and 15 as part of its ‘Janfada’ or ‘self-sacrifice’ campaign. Campaign spokesperson Sasan Zare stated that while training for those aged 15 and older has already begun, special training will be arranged for younger participants due to high demand.

The training, overseen by the Basij volunteer paramilitary force, will cover local security, war preparations, surveillance, and intelligence measures. It reportedly includes instruction on piloting drones and operating shoulder-mounted weapons.

While it remains unclear if these minors will be formally inducted into security forces upon completion, the program faces scrutiny as international humanitarian law prohibits the recruitment of children under 15 into armed forces. Zare claimed that approximately 31 million Iranians have enlisted in the campaign, representing about one-third of the nation's population.